In recent months, the self-storage sector has become a prime target for lenders across the country, and the Texas market, in particular, has taken its rightful place among the most prized. Lenders are recognizing that self-storage facilities in Texas are achieving the best occupancy levels in the nation.

With an influx of investment capital and cap rates at an all-time low, the self-storage REIT sector is hotter than ever. According to Wall Street Journal real estate analyst A.D. Pruitt,“Self-storage facilities are now the biggest ticket properties in commercial real estate.” Investors are drawn to self-storage properties due to high margins, steady cash flow, and a unique ability to perform well in economic downturns.

Empowering your employees can have a huge impact on your life. While this concept can be initally scary, the rewards can be outstanding. Teaching, training and letting go pave the way to success and freedom.

Our eyes were opened to some amazing things happening at the Shriners Hospital for Children - Galveston when our members toured the hospital. A $70,000 donation goes a long way towards helping fund cutting-edge research and a "Safe Zone" for kids being treated for life-changing burns.

As a self-storage owner, how big of a role would you say your facility manager plays in the successful performance of your property? Would you agree the job requires the manager to wear many hats and entails covering a lot of ground on a daily basis? Here are just some of managers' daily tasks...

What better time is there to examine fresh ideas than at the dawn of a new year? As any company (or person) grows, it faces a certain degree of adversity. Some call it “growing pains” and to be sure, at times, it can be indeed, painful. That’s why growth, both personally and in business, requires fresh ideas.

I wonder what Thomas Edison would think, were he alive today. The genius inventor helped open the gateway to widespread use of electricity with inventions like the light bulb and sound recording devices. But even Edison would most likely be amazed at the world we live in today...

I recently saw the acronym FUD, for Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt, used to sum up the most pervasive feelings experienced in 2012. I have my own FUD acronym to propose for 2013: Forward-thinking, Undaunted, and Discovery-focused.

It’s a much-looked at and very interesting question. I recently had the opportunity to find out. Our mini-van is eight years old, and my wife has been hinting that it’s time to get her a new vehicle. What’s more, my youngest daughter is now 16, and about to get her license.
There was no avoiding it. Time to go car shopping.

One of the joys of working with other people is the sharing of ideas. This was quite evident last week when I had my first conference call with the 2013 Communications Committee. As communications director for TSSA, I work directly with the Communications Committee, which is responsible for providing guidance for TSSA resources like our magazine and website.

When it comes to serving on TSSA's committees, the people who serve best are also the busiest ones. These folks are the movers and shakers, the people who want to see things improve, and the people in self storage who are willing to do something to help things improveWhen it comes to serving on TSSA's committees, the people who serve best are also the busiest ones. These folks are the movers and shakers, the people who want to see things improve, and the people in self storage who are willing to do something to help things improve.

Planning for the new year is as much about looking back over the past year as it is about looking ahead. Looking at accomplishments and challenges over the past 12 months enables one to see where progress was made, and where improvement could be made.

The Annual TSSA Convention and Trade Show is fast approaching, and we here at TSSA know that attending any convention can be hectic. Which education sessions should you attend? How long should you spend on the trade show floor? How much fun should you have at the opening night party?

At the upcoming TSSA Convention, you’ll be taking in a lot of information. Much of it will be while you are seated in a classroom during our informative, dynamic sessions led by the industry’s best speakers. But one place you’ll be standing while getting a lot of info., and that’s a good thing. I’m talking about the Trade Show (set for Monday, October 15 4:45-6:00 p.m. and Tuesday , October 16 from 11:00-3:00 p.m., where you’ll be mingling with folks and thinking on your feet.

Husband-wife auctioneering team Dan and Laura Dotson have become stars in their own right as a result of A&E's Storage Wars. At recent industry events, attendees lined up to have their photos taken with the Dotsons, or to have items autographed, but only one industry trade show will feature the Dotsons doing what they do best as actual auctioneers...TSSA's trade show on October 16! This time the Dotsons will help TSSA raise funds for the Shriners Childrens Burn Hospital.